Heatable module for use in constructing a pathway for traffic

ABSTRACT

A heatable module for use in constructing a pathway for traffic comprises a base member having a perimeter edge. A top plate is securable to the base member in overlying relation to the top surface of the base member. An electrically powerable heater member retained by at least one of the base member and the top plate. To form a heatable pathway for traffic, the modules are placed in perimeter-edge-to-perimeter-edge relation one to the next.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional application claiming priority fromU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/086,707 filed on Dec. 2,2014, which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In areas where there is pedestrian and vehicular traffic, particularlyin publically accessible areas, it is universally common to havespecific pathways, such as walkways for pedestrians and driveways forvehicles.

Such walkways might include sidewalks, pedestrian bridges, pavedwalkways through parks, patios, floor surfaces, and the like. Further,such pedestrian walkways exist in public transit facilities, such assubway stations, light rapid transit, bus rapid transit, railwaystations, and the like, where there is very significant amount ofpedestrian traffic. In many types of pedestrian walkways, there is arequirement for pedestrians to be able to safely navigate such walkwaysand to remain on the walkways, especially where public transit vehiclesare passing closely by. This is particularly important for mass transitplatforms in public transit facilities, where there is presently themost significant need for safe pedestrian walkways, such as mass transitplatforms and the like.

More specifically, there is a need for pedestrians to be able tomaintain good traction on pedestrian walkways in order to prevent slipsand falls, particularly on outdoor surfaces that can be subject toinclement weather such as wind, rain and snow, and on outdoor surfacesthat retain snow and ice.

Additionally, in some places such as public transit facilities,driveways and the like for vehicles, particularly service vehicles,there is a need to be able to maintain good traction for vehicles duringinclement weather and on outdoor surfaces that retain snow and ice.

Additionally, it is important for pedestrians to be able to determinethe nearby presence of platform edges so that the pedestrians do notaccidentally walk off the edge of a platform, where a vehicle, such as apublic transit vehicle, or even a private vehicle, might be passing by.This is especially important in mass transit situations, andparticularly for commuter trains, where the side of the train is rightat the edge of the platform. The need for making the nearby presence ofplatform edges easy to determine, especially by blind or visuallyimpaired persons, is of course is of particularly acute importance inattempting to make such facilities accessible and safe for blind orvisually impaired persons.

Various types of transit boarding platform panels exist that includedetectable warning tiles at the top thereof in order to permit persons,especially blind or visually impaired persons, to detect the nearbypresence of platform edges. One such state-of-the art transit boardingplatform panels is taught in the present inventor's earlier U.S. Pat.No. 7,690,862, issued Apr. 6, 2010 to Szekely, and entitled QuickConnect Transit Boarding Platform Panel. The transit boarding platformpanel is for use along an edge of a transit platform adjacent a track.The panel comprises a molded base portion formed from a reinforcedcomposite polymer. The base portion has a top deck and bottom plate, afirst side and an opposite second side, a first end and an oppositesecond end. The first side is intended to be adjacent a track at an edgeof the transit boarding platform. The second side is intended to beadjacent the transit platform. A series of internal support members aredisposed between the top deck and bottom plate. In one embodiment, thetop deck has a detectable warning surface consisting of raised truncateddomes detectable by the visually impaired in accordance with Americanswith Disabilities Act (ADA): Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings andFacilities. The first and second ends are provided with means tointerconnect adjacent panels and to secure the panels to the platform.In one embodiment, the means to interconnect adjacent panels and tosecure the panels to the platform includes a groove provided on thefirst end of each panel and a tongue provided on the second end of eachpanel. The groove is sized and shaped to accept a corresponding sizedand shaped tongue provided on the second end of an adjacent panel. Thetongue is hollow and has a bolt hole at either end. A threaded securingrod is inserted through a hole in the timber headers that form theretaining wall for the platform, and then is inserted through the tonguevia the bolt holes.

This transit boarding platform panel is installed by 1) Setting asub-base of engineered granular fill (crushed stone); 2) Laying outtimber retaining wall and stake in platform, 3) Filling in retainingwall area with compacted granular fill; and 4) Installing structuralplastic transit platform.

While it has been found that this transit boarding platform panel worksvery well, it has also been found that there is a need for heatablemodules, such as modular panels, modular tiles, and the like, forconstructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkways and vehiculardriveways, including mass transit platforms, wherein the top surface isreadily removable and replaceable and wherein the heater is removableand replaceable. It has further been found that there is a need forheatable modules, such as modular panels, modular tiles, and the like,for constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkways and vehiculardriveways, including mass transit platforms, that are easy to installand cost effective to install. It has further been found that there is aneed for heatable modules, such as modular panels, modular tiles, andthe like, for constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkways andvehicular driveways, including mass transit platforms, that are costeffective to heat.

It has further been found that there is a need for heatable modules,such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, and the like,for constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkways and vehiculardriveways, including mass transit platforms, wherein the heatablemodules are more readily manufactured and more cost effectivelymanufactured than prior art and heatable modular panels, heatablemodular tiles, and the like.

It has further been found that there is a need for modules, such asmodular panels, modular tiles, and the like, and heatable modules, suchas modular panels, modular tiles, and the like, for constructingpathways, such as pedestrian walkways and vehicular driveways, includingmass transit platforms, that are water resistant, especially whereheated modular panels are used.

It is also known to heat the floors of residential and commercialbuildings. Such known prior art heated floors are expensive to installand operate. There is a need to reduce these types of expenses.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,578,102, issued Aug. 25, 2009, to Banister, and entitledElectric Tile Modules, discloses an electrically connectable tile modulethat includes a porous substrate having a top side, a bottom side, andat least two side edges. At least one connector is integrated into theporous substrate allowing adjoining electrically connectable tilemodules to be electrically connected to the porous substrate. At leastone electrical element is disposed over the top side of the poroussubstrate and electrically connected to the at least one connector.Thermo-voltaic elements and photovoltaic elements are housed within thedisclosed tile module for generating electricity from heat and light,respectively. There is no teaching of efficiently distributing theelectrical power to the various electrical elements.

United States Published Patent Application No. 2014/0157691, publishedJun. 12, 2014 to Putnam, and entitled Patio, Porch Or Walkway AssemblyIncorporating A Plurality Of Blocks And Including Any Combination OfPre-Cast And Exposed Surfaced Patterns, Interiorly Supported HeatingPads And Led Effect Lighting, discloses an assembly for creating a threedimensional exterior structure incorporates a plurality of bodiesinter-assembled via engaging tongue and groove profiles to create atleast one of a multi-tier stepped or extending walkway surface. Each ofthe bodies further exhibits a hollowed interior to facilitate in-fillingof a compactible material in order to weight said bodies duringassembly. Thermal generating elements can be incorporated into one ormore of the bodies. In one embodiment, the thermal generating elementsinclude heating pads or inserts connected to a remote power supplythrough a connecting network that includes a junction box and wiringassociated with the second assembled layer. There is no teaching ofefficiently distributing the electrical power to the various heatingpads or inserts.

It is an object of the present invention to provide heatable modules,such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, and the like,for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkways andvehicular driveways.

It is an object of the present invention to provide heatable modules,such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, and the like,for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkways andvehicular driveways, such as a transit platform or the like.

It is another object of the present invention to provide heatablemodules, such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, andthe like, for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkwaysand vehicular driveways, wherein the heatable modules readily fitproperly in place adjacent a wood header of an adjoining platformsubgrade that accommodates heatable modules that are about three inchesin height.

It is another object of the present invention to provide heatablemodules, such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, andthe like, for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkwaysand vehicular driveways, which heatable modules include detectablewarning indicators.

It is another object of the present invention to provide heatablemodules, such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, andthe like, for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkwaysand vehicular driveways, which heatable modules can include top plates.

It is another object of the present invention to provide heatablemodules, such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, andthe like, for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkwaysand vehicular driveways, which heatable modules can include detectablewarning tiles.

It is another object of the present invention to provide heatablemodules, such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, andthe like, for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkwaysand vehicular driveways, such as a transit platform or the like, whichheatable modules can include a textured top surface.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide heatablemodules, such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, andthe like, for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkwaysand vehicular driveways, wherein the heatable modules are readilyconnectable one to the next.

It is an object of the present invention to provide heatable modules,such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, and the like,for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkways andvehicular driveways, wherein the heatable modules are lightweight.

It is an object of the present invention to provide heatable modules,such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, and the like,for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkways andvehicular driveways, that include heatable modules that are easy tomanufacture.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide heatablemodules, such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, andthe like, for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkwaysand vehicular driveways, wherein the heatable modules are readilyconnectable one to the next on a substrate surface of a non-constantgrade.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide heatablemodules, such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, andthe like, for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkwaysand vehicular driveways, wherein the heatable modules are readilyconnectable one to the next so as to accommodate varying angles ofend-to-end connections between panels.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide heatablemodules, such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, andthe like, for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkwaysand vehicular driveways, wherein the heatable modules are readilyconnectable one to the next so as to accommodate varying angles ofperimeter-to-perimeter connections between panels.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide heatablemodules, such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, andthe like, for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkwaysand vehicular driveways, wherein the heatable modules arewater-resistant.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide heatablemodules, such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, andthe like, for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkwaysand vehicular driveways, wherein the amount of material used to form theheatable modules is significantly less than in prior art heatablemodules.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide heatablemodules, such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, andthe like, for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkwaysand vehicular driveways, wherein the amount of material used to form theinternal support members of the heatable modules is significantly lessthan in prior art heatable modules.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide heatablemodules, such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, andthe like, for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkwaysand vehicular driveways, wherein the heatable modules are easier tomanufacture than are prior art heatable modules.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide heatablemodules, such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, andthe like, for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkwaysand vehicular driveways, wherein the heatable modules are quicker tomanufacture than are prior art heatable modules.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide heatablemodules, such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, andthe like, for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkwaysand vehicular driveways, wherein the base member of the heatable modulesis made via a compression molding process or method, such as sheetmolded compound (SMC) or wet compression molding.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide heatablemodules, such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, andthe like, for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkwaysand vehicular driveways, wherein the base member of the heatable moduleshas favourable dielectric properties.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide heatablemodules, such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, andthe like, for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkwaysand vehicular driveways, wherein heat is transmitted quickly through thetop plate above the base member.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide heatablemodules, such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, andthe like, for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkwaysand vehicular driveways, wherein the constructed platform is energyefficient.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide heatablemodules, such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, andthe like, for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkwaysand vehicular driveways, wherein the heatable modules are energyefficient.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide heatablemodules, such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, andthe like, for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkwaysand vehicular driveways, wherein the heatable modules contain a thinelectrically powerable heater member.

It is an object of the present invention to provide heatable modules,such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, and the like,for use in constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkways andvehicular driveways, wherein heat is transmitted quickly through the topplate above the base member of the heatable modules.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to heatable modules for use inconstructing a heatable pathway for traffic such as pedestrian walkwaysand driveways for vehicles, and more particularly to heatable modulesfor use in constructing heatable modules, wherein the heatable modulescan include detectable warning indicators at the top surface thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there isdisclosed a novel heatable module for use in constructing a heatablepathway for traffic. The heatable module comprises a base member havinga perimeter edge. A top plate is securable to the base member. Anelectrically powerable heater member retained by at least one of thebase member and the top plate. To form a heatable pathway for traffic,the modules are placed in perimeter-edge-to-perimeter-edge relation oneto the next.

Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention,as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements ofthe structure, and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description and the appended claims with reference tothe accompanying drawings, the latter of which is briefly describedherein below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of theheatable module for use in constructing a heatable pathway for traffic,according to the present invention, as to its structure, organization,use and method of operation, together with further objectives andadvantages thereof, will be better understood from the followingdrawings in which a presently known embodiment of the invention will nowbe illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however,that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and descriptiononly, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of theinvention. In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plurality of the first illustratedembodiment heatable modules installed in place to form a heatablepathway for traffic, specifically a transit platform, according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the transitplatform of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the transit platform of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is an enlarged top plan view of a portion of the transitplatform of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the transit platform of FIG. 1, showing thefirst illustrated embodiment heatable modules in a first section of thetransit platform being heated during a first heating sub-cycle of anoverall heating cycle;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the transit platform of FIG. 1, showing thefirst illustrated embodiment heatable modules in a second section of thetransit platform being heated during a second heating sub-cycle of anoverall heating cycle;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the transit platform of FIG. 1, showing thefirst illustrated embodiment heatable modules in a third section of thetransit platform being heated during a third heating sub-cycle of anoverall heating cycle;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the transit platform of FIG. 1, showing thefirst illustrated embodiment heatable modules in a fourth section of thetransit platform being heated during a fourth heating sub-cycle of anoverall heating cycle;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the transit platform of FIG. 1, showing thefirst illustrated embodiment heatable modules in a fifth section of thetransit platform being heated during a fifth heating sub-cycle of anoverall heating cycle;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the first illustrated embodimentheatable module used in construction of the transit platform of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the first illustrated embodiment heatablemodule of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the first illustrated embodimentheatable module of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a left side elevational view of the first illustratedembodiment heatable module of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a right side elevational view of the first illustratedembodiment heatable module of FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is a left end elevational view of the first illustratedembodiment heatable module of FIG. 9;

FIG. 15 is a right end elevational view of the first illustratedembodiment heatable module of FIG. 9;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged side elevational view of two of the base membersof the first illustrated embodiment heatable module of FIG. 9, inposition to be connected together;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view from above of two of the basemembers of the first illustrated embodiment heatable module of FIG. 9,in position to be connected together;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view from above of two of the basemembers of the first illustrated embodiment heatable module of FIG. 9,in position to be connected together;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view from above of the top plate of the firstillustrated embodiment heatable module of FIG. 9;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view from below of connected end portions oftwo heatable modules used in the construction of the transit platform ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is a bottom plan view of the top plate of the first illustratedembodiment heatable module of FIG. 9;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional side elevational view of a secondillustrated embodiment heatable module according to the presentinvention, showing that the mesh heater member is integrally formed intothe top plate; and,

FIG. 23 is an enlarged cross-sectional side elevational view of a thirdillustrated embodiment heatable module according to the presentinvention, showing that the mesh heater member is integrally formed intothe top deck of the base member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 23 of the drawings, it will be noted thatFIGS. 1 through 21 show a first illustrated embodiment of the heatablemodule according to the present invention, FIG. 22 illustrates a secondillustrated embodiment of the heatable module according to the presentinvention, FIG. 23 illustrates a third illustrated embodiment of theheatable module according to the present invention.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 1 through 32, which show a firstillustrated embodiment of the heatable module according to the presentinvention, as indicated by the general reference numeral 110. Themodules 110 are for use in constructing a heatable pathway for traffic,as indicated by the general reference numeral 100, such as a transitplatform 100, adjacent a railroad track 101, as illustrated.

It should be noted that the heatable module might be any one or more ofa heatable panel, a heatable tile, a heatable platform, a heatableplatform portion, a heatable deck, a heatable deck portion, a heatableplate, a heatable block, a heatable board, a heatable slat, heatableflooring, a heatable brick, a heatable slab, and the like.

As illustrated, the heatable module 110 comprises, in brief, a basemember 120, a top plate 140, and an electrically powerable heater member170. The heatable module 110 for use in constructing the heatablepathway for traffic, specifically a heatable pedestrian walkway, asindicated by the general reference numeral 100, such as the heatabletransit platform 100.

As can be best seen in FIG. 4, the present invention, the heatabletransit platform 100 comprises a first modular panel 110 a, a secondmodular panel 110 b, a third modular panel 110 c, a fourth modular panel110 d, and a fifth modular panel 110 e.

More specifically, the first illustrated embodiment heatable module 110comprises a heatable modular panel 110 that is rectangular in shape, andis typically greater than one meter in length and less than one meter inwidth, and perhaps about 7.5 centimeters (3 inches) in height. It hasbeen found that this size and shape is suitable for the intendedapplications. It should be understood that the heatable modular panel110 can be of any suitable shape and size.

As can be best seen in FIG. 3A, the heatable transit platform 100comprises a first header wall 102 and a second header wall 104 disposedin parallel spaced relation one to the other, and with aligned boreholes 102 a,104 a in the first header wall 102 and the second headerwall 104, respectively. An elongate threaded securing rod 107 extendsthrough the first header wall 102, the modular panel 110, and the secondheader wall 104, as will be discussed in greater detail subsequently. Ingeneral, the modular panels 110 are each installed in place to form thetransit platform 100. The modular panels 110 may be installed inconnected relation one to the next, or may be installed apart from oneanother, to form separate but related sections or areas of an overalltransit platform. In the illustrated embodiment, the modular panels 110are placed in first-end to second-end relation and are placed infirst-side to second-side relation between the first header wall 102 anda second header wall 104 such that the first side walls 133 of themodular panels 110 face the first header wall 102 and the second sidewalls 134 of the modular panels 110 face the second header wall 104.

As illustrated, the heatable module 110, and more specifically theheatable modular panel 110, comprises a base member 120 for engaging theground on which the heatable modular panel 110 rests, the top plate 140that is positioned generally over the base member 120, and anelectrically powerable heater member 170 disposed between the top plate140 and the base member 120, a threaded securing rod 107, a lateralgroove 108 and a tongue structure 180, as will be discussed in greaterdetail subsequently.

More specifically, the base member 120 has a first end 121, a second end122, a first side 123, a second side 124, a perimeter edge 125, and atop deck 126, and a top surface 126 s. The top deck 126 extends betweenthe first end 121, the second end 122, the first side 123 and the secondside 124 of the base member 120, and preferably is generally continuousacross the top of the base member 120. The top deck 126 of the basemember 120 has a first recessed pocket 127 and a second recessed pocket128 for accommodating electrical connectors and electrical wirestherein. The first recessed pocket 127 has a wire-receiving aperture 127a therein and the second recessed pocket 128 has a wire-receivingaperture 128 a therein for receiving electrical wires therethrough.

The base member 120 also has a first end wall 131 depending from the topdeck 126 at the first end 121 thereof, a second end wall 132 dependingfrom the top deck 126 at the second end 122 thereof, a first side wall133 depending from the top deck 126 at the first side 123 thereof, and asecond side wall 134 depending from the top deck 126 at the second side124 thereof. The first end wall 131, the second end wall 132, the firstside wall 133 and the second side wall 134 each terminate in a bottomedge that together form the bottom peripheral edge 135 of the basemember 120. Preferably, and in the first illustrated embodiment, theportion of the bottom peripheral edge 135 of the base member 120 definedby the second side wall 134, most of the first end wall 131 and most ofthe second end wall 132 is substantially planar in order to properlyengage a receiving surface, such as a compacted gravel surface, or thelike. The first end wall 131, the second end wall 132, the first sidewall 133 and the second side wall 134 are each interconnected one to thenext to help form a solid stable structure.

The base member 120 further comprises a plurality of internal crosssupport members 136 depending from the top plate 140. The internal crosssupport members 136 depend from the top deck 126 and extend to thebottom edge 135 of the base member 120, and comprise a plurality oflateral ribs 136 a and a plurality of longitudinal ribs 136 b. As canreadily be seen in the Figures, the lateral ribs 136 a each extendbetween the first side wall 133 and the second side wall 134 and arespace generally evenly apart one from the next along the length of thebase member 120, between the first end wall 131 and the second end wall132 of the base member 120. Similarly, the longitudinal ribs 136 b eachextend between the first end wall 131 and the second end wall 132 andare spaced generally evenly apart one from the next along the width ofthe base member 120, between the first side wall 133 and the second sidewall 134 of the base member 120.

The base member 120 also has a longitudinal raceway 137 in the bottomthereof, along the first side of the base member 120, for receivingelectrical wires therein. In order to form the raceway 137, the bottomedge 135 a of the first side wall 133 is slightly higher up than thebottom edge 135 of the second end wall 132 and the bottom edge 135 ofthe first end wall 131 and the bottom edge 135 of the of the second sidewall 134. The longitudinal raceway 137 preferably extends from the firstend wall 131 to the second end wall 132. In this manner, electricalwires can run from one heatable modular panel 110 to the next, as willbe described in greater detail subsequently.

The base member 120, and more specifically the first end wall 131 of thebase member 120, defines the lateral groove 108 disposed at theperimeter edge 125, and that, in the illustrated embodiment, but notnecessarily, extends the entire width “WB” of the base member 120. Thegroove 108 is defined by a top surface 108 t, a recessed surface 108 rand a bottom surface 108 b. The top surface 108 t and the recessedsurface 108 r are connected together by a top concave curved surface 109t. Similarly, the bottom surface 108 b and the recessed surface 108 rare connected together by a bottom concave curved surface 109 b. Theratio of the height of the lateral groove 108 to the height of the basemember 120 is between about 0.5:1 and 0.6:1.

The base member 120, and more specifically the second end wall 132 ofthe base member 120, defines the tongue structure 180 disposed at theperimeter edge 125. The tongue structure 180 is shaped and dimensionedto be received in the lateral groove 108. More specifically, the tonguestructure 180 of a first module is shaped and dimensioned to be receivedin the lateral groove 108 of a second module. To form the transitplatform 100, the modular panels 110 are placed in first-end tosecond-end relation with the tongue structure 180 of each heatablemodular panel 110 inserted into the lateral groove 108 of an adjacentmodular panel 110.

The tongue structure 180 defines a throughpassage 189 for receiving thethreaded securing rod 107 therethrough. The throughpassage 189 in thetongue structure 180 is closer to the bottom peripheral edge 135 of thebase member 120 than to the top deck 126 of the base member 120 so thatthere is sufficient structural strength of material above any boreholes, such as bore holes 102 a, 104 a, so as to preclude failure ofthat portion of the first or second header walls 102, 104.

In the first illustrated embodiment, the tongue structure 180 comprisesa plurality of tongue portions 181,182 that each project outwardly fromthe second end wall 132 of the base member 120. The tongue portions181,182 comprise a first type of tongue portion 181 and a second type oftongue portion 182. The first type of tongue portion 181 and a secondtype of tongue portion 182 are disposed in alternating relationgenerally along the length of the tongue structure 180, with horizontalgaps 183 therebetween. Generally along the length of the tonguestructure 180, the first type of tongue portions are shaped in a firstradius at the top outer surface thereof.

The first type of tongue portion 181 has a root portion 184 extendingoutwardly from the second end wall 132 and is disposed above thethroughpassage 189, and a finger portion 185 a extending downwardly fromthe root portion 184. The root portion 184 comprises a plurality of fins186 separated one from the next by a notch 187. The plurality of fins186 comprises four fins 186 on at least most of the first type of tongueportions 181. The fins 186 are generally vertically disposed, aregenerally parallel one to another, and are substantially the samethickness one as the others. Further, the fins 186 are substantially thesame shape one as the others, and have a rounded top outer corner 186 rthat is the same radius as the top concave curved surface 109 t of thegroove 108. Accordingly, when two adjacent heatable modular panels 110that are connected together one to the next in first-end to second-endrelation, the rounded top outer corner 186 r of the fins 186 and the topconcave curved surface 109 t of the groove 108 permit ready angularmovement between the two connected heatable modular panels 110, and alsopermit vertical forces to be transmitted readily between the twoconnected heatable modular panels 110.

Also, the notches 187 that separate the fins 186 are substantially thesame width one as the others. As illustrated, but not necessarily, theratio of the thickness “T” of the fins 186 to the width “W” of thenotches 187 is between about 0.5:1 and about 1:1.

The second type of tongue portion 182 has a root portion 188 extendingoutwardly from the second end wall 132 and is disposed below thethroughpassage 189, and a finger portion 185 b extending upwardly fromthe root portion 188.

The first type of tongue portion 181 is substantially larger than thesecond type of tongue portion 182 in order to have sufficient strengthto transfer the force of weight of pedestrians on the transit platform100 to the threaded securing rod 107 without breaking. Also, the firsttype of tongue portion 181 has a first lateral width “LW1” and a secondtype of tongue portion 182 has a second lateral width “LW2”. The firstlateral width “LW1” of the first type of tongue portion 181 and thesecond lateral width “LW2” of the first type of tongue portion 181 areapproximately the same one as the other. Further, the horizontal gaps183 between the first type of tongue portion 181 and the second type oftongue portion 182 are approximately the same lateral width one as theothers, and the ratio of the lateral width of the horizontal gaps 183 tothe lateral width “LW1” of the first type of tongue portion 181 and thelateral width “LW2” second type of tongue portion 182 is between about0.3:1 and about 0.4:1.

Generally along the length of the tongue structure 180, the first tongueportions 181 and second tongue portions tongue portions 182 have novertical overlap one with the other. Accordingly, once the moldingprocess is complete and the base member is formed, the top portion ofthe mold and the bottom portion of the mold can be separated one fromthe other without first moving a supplementary mold part. This is highlyadvantageous in the molding process can be done more quickly and themold is less expensive to build, maintain and operate.

The tongue structure 180 and the lateral groove 108 are each shaped anddimensioned to provide vertical clearance between the tongue structure180 and the lateral groove 108, in order to facilitate ready insertionof the tongue structure 180 into the groove 108. The vertical clearancebetween the tongue structure 180 and the lateral groove 108 is betweenabout one and about five millimeters.

The top plate 140 has a first end 141, a second end 142, a first side143 and a second side 144, a top surface 145 and a bottom surface 146.The top surface 145 of the top plate 140 is preferably a detectablewarning surface. More specifically, the top plate 140 comprises aplurality of horizontally spaced button structures 160 projectingupwardly therefrom that together form the detectable warning surface.The button structures 160 include both solid button structures 160 aintegrally formed with the top plate 140 and fastener-receiving buttonstructures 160 b, as will be discussed in greater detail subsequently.Typically in use, these horizontally spaced button structures 160 arehighly visible to sighted persons, and even more importantly, areengageable by walking canes, and the like of visually impaired persons,in order to provide a warning of the edge of a pedestrian walkway suchas the transit platform 100. The button structures 160 will be discussedin greater detail subsequently.

The top plate 140 also has a first end flange 151 depending from the topplate 140 at the first end 141 thereof, a second end flange 152depending from the top plate 140 at the second end 142 thereof, a firstside flange 153 depending from the top plate 140 at the first side 143thereof, a second side flange 154 depending from the top plate 140 atthe second side 144 thereof.

The first end flange 151, the second end flange 152, the first sideflange 153 and the second side flange 154 each terminate in a bottomedge that together form the bottom peripheral edge 155 of the top plate140. In a co-operating manner, the base member 120 has a peripheralrecess 129 at the top thereof for receiving at least the bottom portionsof the first side flange 153, the second side flange 154, the first endflange 151, and the second end flange 152. The top plate 140 is therebyengageable with the top deck 126 of the base member 120. Preferably, andin the first illustrated embodiment, the bottom peripheral edge 155 ofthe top plate 140 is substantially planar in order to properly engagethe base member 120.

The heatable modular panel 110 further comprises a gasket 156 disposedin sealing relation between the horizontally outwardly facing surface129 a of the peripheral recess 129 and the horizontally inwardly facingsurfaces 151 i, 152 i, 153 i, 154 i of the first end flange 151, thesecond end flange 152, the first side flange 153, and the second sideflange 154. The gasket 156 is preferably continuous around the entireperipheral recess 129 at the top of the base member 120 in order toprovide a waterproof seal between the top plate 140 and the base member120.

The top plate 140 is in removable and replaceable relation to the basemember 120, specifically to the top deck 126 of the base member 120,once in place, by means of a plurality of threaded fasteners 159. Eachfastener 159 extends through a fastener-receiving aperture 161 in afastener-receiving button structure 160 b and engages in securingrelation the top deck 126 of the base member 120. As can be readilyunderstood, the top plate 140 can be easily and quickly removed andreplaced, desired.

For any threaded fasteners 159 that extend through the heater member170, and aperture (not specifically shown) is punched in the heatermember 170 in order to accommodate threaded fastener 159. Insulatingtape (not specifically shown) is used to ensure a waterproof connection.

As discussed previously, the top plate 140 comprises a plurality ofhorizontally spaced button structures 160 projecting upwardly therefrom.The button structures 160 comprise both solid button structures 160 aintegrally formed with the top plate 140 and fastener-receiving buttonstructures 160 b. The fastener-receiving button structures 160 bcomprise an upwardly projecting peripheral portion 162 and a depressedcentral portion 163 that are both integrally formed with the top plate140. The fastener-receiving aperture 161 is disposed within thedepressed central portion 163 and is surrounded by the depressed centralportion 163. A grommet 159 a receives the threaded fastener 159 andseats into the depressed central portion 163.

The fastener-receiving button structure 160 b further comprises a capmember 164 securable in removable and replaceable relation within thedepressed central portion 163 of the fastener-receiving buttonstructures 160 b. The cap member 164 has at least one key 164 a, andpreferably a plurality of keys 164 a. Correspondingly, the each of thefastener-receiving button structures 160 b has at least one keyway 164 btherein, and preferably the same number of keyways 164 b as keys 164 a.The keyways are preferably, but not necessarily, in the top plate 140between the depressed central portion 163 and the upwardly projectingperipheral portion 162. The keys 164 a are received in cooperatingkeyways 164 b in the top plate 140. The keys 164 a and the keyways 164 btogether rotationally align the cap member 164 such that thetraction-providing protrusions on its top surface align with thetraction-providing protrusions on the top surface of the top plate 140.

As can be readily seen in the Figures, the solid button structures 160 ahave a textured top surface 160 t, and the cap members 164 of thefastener-receiving button structures 160 b have a textured top surface165. The texture top surfaces 160 t and 165 provide for excellenttraction for pedestrians walking on the top plates 140.

As also can readily be seen in the Figures, that the top plate 140 issecurable in overlying relation to the top surface 126 s of the basemember 120, or in other words to the top deck 126 of the base member120, with a heater-receiving space 149 therebetween. The heatablemodular panel 110 also has an electrically powerable heater member 170disposed within the heater-receiving space 149 between the base member120 and the top plate 140. In the first illustrated embodiment, theelectrically powerable heater member 170 comprises a thin sheet typeelectrically powerable heater member 170. As illustrated, theelectrically powerable heater member 170 is retained by at least one ofthe base member 120 and the top plate 140, and is disposed against thebottom surface 146 of the top plate 140, so is the maximize the heattransfer thereto. Further, the electrically powerable heater member 170is secured to the bottom surface 146 of the top plate 140, andpreferably is secured to the bottom surface of the top plate 140 by asuitable adhesive 171.

The top plate 140 preferably comprises any suitable polymer plasticmaterial or Fibre-Glass™ type material, and preferably includes a heatconductive polymer material 147 and a heat retentive polymer material148. The heat conductive polymer material 147 allows for quickconduction of heat from the heater member 170 through the top plate 140and to the top surface 145 of the top plate 140, in order to permitquick melting of snow and ice. The heat retentive polymer material 148serves to retain heat within the heater member 170 once the electricalpower to the heater member 170 has been turned off, thereby allowing fora longer cycle time until electrical power needs to be applied again toretain sufficient heat to melt snow and ice. It is also possible toinclude small stones, or the like, in the polymer material in order topreclude wearing of the top plate 140. It should be noted that smallstones, or the like, cannot be included if the top plate 140 is formedvia a compression molding method where the resin is pumped into themold. It should also be noted that typically, fillers such as the heatconductive polymer material 147 and the heat retentive polymer material148 degrade the UV resistance of the resin used to form the top plate140. Accordingly, a UV resistant coating can be sprayed on top of thetop plate 140.

Further, a suitable type of insulation (not specifically shown in thisembodiment, but shown in another embodiment), such as pre-moldedinsulation or foamed insulation, can be used to fill the open spaces ofthe base member 120, between the various internal cross support members136. As can be readily understood, the insulation precludes heat fromthe heater member 170 from escaping downwardly through the base member120, thereby allowing for more efficient heating of the top plate 140.The insulation can be either a low density type of foam or a highdensity type of foam such as a structural foam to provide additionalstructural support. Further, a ceramic layer (not specifically shown),can be placed between the top plate 140 and the base member 120.

In order to form the transit platform 100, the base members 120 of themodular panels 110 are placed in perimeter-edge to perimeter-edgerelation one to the next, and more specifically in first-end tosecond-end relation, and are secured together one to the next. Theheater members 170 are then placed over the top decks 126 of the basemembers 120, and the top plates 140 are placed over the heater members170 and onto the top decks 126 of the base members 120. The top plates140 and the heater members 170 are secured in place via the threadedfasteners 159 extending through said fastener-receiving apertures 161 ofthe top plates and securely engaged in the base members 120.

More specifically, the base member 120 of a first heatable modular panel110 is set in place on a receiving surface, such as a compacted gravelsurface, or the like. The base member 120 of a second heatable modularpanel 110 is placed in first-end to second-end relation with base member120 of the first heatable modular panel 110 by inserting the tonguestructure 180 of the base member 120 of the second heatable modularpanel 110 into the groove 108 of the base member 120 of the firstheatable modular panel 110. The base member 120 of a third heatablemodular panel 110 is placed in first-end to second-end relation with thebase member 120 of the second heatable modular panel 110 by insertingthe tongue structure 180 of the base member 120 of the third heatablemodular panel 110 into the groove 108 of the base member 120 of thesecond heatable modular panel 110. This process is completed until alengthwise row of the necessary number of base members 120 are in place.

Alternatively, the base members 120 of the heatable modular panels 110could be joined together the opposite other way around by setting thebase member 120 of a first heatable modular panel 110 in place on areceiving surface, and introducing the base member 120 of the secondheatable modular panel 110 over the tongue structure 180 of the basemember 120 of the first heatable modular panel 110 such that the tonguestructure 180 of the base member 120 of the first heatable modular panel110 is received in the groove 108 of the base member 120 of the secondheatable modular panel 110.

Similarly, base members 120 are placed in perimeter-edge toperimeter-relation one to the next, and more specifically in first-endto second-end relation immediately beside the lengthwise row of basemembers 120 in order to form a second lengthwise row of heatable modularpanels 110. The tongues of laterally adjacent base members 120 arelongitudinally aligned to for a single throughpassage 189 for receivingan elongate threaded securing rod therethrough. The above-describedprocess is repeated until all of the necessary base members 120 are inplace. For the present transit platform 100, the lengthwise rows ofheatable modular panels 110 are closely fit between two parallel timberheaders 102, 104 that form the first header wall 102 and the secondheader wall 104 of the transit platform 100. The first header wall 102and a second header wall 104 are disposed in parallel spaced relationone to the other, and with aligned bore holes 102 a, 104 a in the firstheader wall 102 and the second header wall 104. It should be noted thatthe first header wall 102 and the second header wall 104 can be made ofany other suitable material, or materials, such as concrete.

The threaded securing rod 107 is inserted in place in the transitplatform 100 as follows. A first metal plate 105 having an aperture 105a is placed against the outer face of the first header wall 102 with theaperture 105 a aligned with the aperture 102 a in the first header wall102. Similarly, a second metal plate 106 having an aperture 106 a isplaced against the outer face of the second header wall 104 with theaperture 106 a aligned with the aperture 104 a in the second header wall104. The threaded securing rod 107 is inserted through the aperture 105a in the first metal plate 105, through the bore hole 102 a in the firsttimber header 102, is then inserted through the throughpassage 189defined by the aligned tongue structures 180, and through the bore hole104 a in the second timber header 104, and through the aperture 106 a inthe second metal plate 106. Co-operating threaded nuts 102 b, 104 b arethen put in place onto the threaded securing rod 107 at each end thereofto engage against the first metal plate 105 and the second metal plate106. The co-operating threaded nuts 102 b, 104 b are then appropriatelytightened. Alternatively, the first metal plate 105 and the second metalplate 106 could each be an “L”-bracket of similar that secures to theground 103 on which the modular panels 110 rest.

For two interconnected modular panels 110, the threaded securing rod 107substantially precludes the tongue structure 180 of one modular panel110 and the lateral groove 108 of the other modular panel 110 fromshifting vertically with respect to each other. The threaded securingrod 107 substantially precludes the two interconnected modular panels110 from shifting with respect to the first header wall 102 and a secondheader wall 104.

For the entire heatable transit platform 100, there is a plurality ofthreaded securing rods 107, with each threaded securing rod insertedthrough an aligned pair of said bore holes 102 a, 104 a in the firstheader wall 102 and a second header wall 104, respectively, though theaperture 105 a,106 a in the first metal plate 105 and the second metalplate 106, respectively, and through the aligned throughpassage 189 ofthe modular panel 110. In the event that there are side-by-side ones ofthe modular panels 110, the overall structure is secured infundamentally the same manner, except that the threaded securing rods107 extend through the aligned throughpassages 189 of side-by-sidemodular panels 110.

In general, the modular panels 110 are placed in first-end to second-endrelation and are placed in first-side to second-side relation betweenthe first header wall 102 and a second header wall 104 such that thefirst side walls 133 of the modular panels 110 face the first headerwall 102 and the second side walls 134 of the modular panels 110 facethe second header wall 104.

During the placement of the heatable modular panels 110, the electricalwires that will provide power to the heater members 170 are placed so asto be received by the longitudinal raceway 137 in each base member 120.The electrical wires can run from one heatable modular panel 110 to thenext as the base members 120 are put in place. The electrical connectorsand electrical wires are accommodated in the first recessed pocket 127and the second recessed pocket 128 in the top deck 126 of the basemember 120, where the connectors of each are located.

It should be noted that having rows of the heatable modular panels 110,or even unheatable modular panels, all the way across and no asphalt, isbetter for constructability purposes because the heatable transitplatform 100 can be constructed during poor weather conditions, therebyminimizing construction delays, and also constructed much more quicklyon an overall basis, and at a lower cost that if asphalt areas areincluded.

In another aspect of the present invention, the heatable transitplatform 100 comprises a first modular panel 110 a with a firstelectrically powerable heater member 170 a, a second modular panel 110 bwith a second electrically powerable heater member 170 b, a thirdmodular panel 110 c with a third electrically powerable heater member170 c, a fourth modular panel 110 d with a fourth electrically powerableheater member 170 d, and a fifth modular panel 110 e with a fifthelectrically powerable heater member 170 e.

Each modular panel comprises a top plate 140 over a base member 120. Theelectrically powerable heater member 170 is disposed between the topplate 140 and the base member 120.

There is also an electrical power controller circuit 190 having a firstpower output 191 a, a second power output 191 b, a third power output191 c, a fourth power output 191 d, and a fifth power output 191 e. Eachof the power outputs 191 is connectable in electrical power supplyingrelation to at least one of a plurality of the electrically powerableheater members 170.

More specifically, the first power output 191 a connected in powersupplying relation to the first electrically powerable heater member 170a, the second power output 191 b connected in power supplying relationto the second electrically powerable heater member 170 b, the thirdpower output 191 c connected in power supplying relation to the thirdelectrically powerable heater member 170 c, the fourth power output 191d connected in power supplying relation to the fourth electricallypowerable heater member 170 d, and the fifth power output 191 econnected in power supplying relation to the fifth electricallypowerable heater member 170 e.

The electrical power controller circuit 190 is operable to provideelectrical power from the power outputs 191 a,191 b,191 c,191 d,191 e ina heating cycle that comprises a first heating sub-cycle, a secondheating sub-cycle, a third heating sub-cycle, a forth heating sub-cycle,and a fifth heating sub-cycle.

During a heating cycle, the first electrically powerable heater member170 a is on and the second electrically powerable heater member 170 b,the third electrically powerable heater member 170 c, the fourthelectrically powerable heater member 170 d and the fifth electricallypowerable heater member 170 e are off during the first heatingsub-cycle. Also, the second electrically powerable heater member 170 bis on and the first electrically powerable heater member 170 a, thethird electrically powerable heater member 170 c, the fourthelectrically powerable heater member 170 d and the fifth electricallypowerable heater member 170 e are off during the second heatingsub-cycle. Further, the third electrically powerable heater member 170 cis on and the first electrically powerable heater member 170 a, thesecond electrically powerable heater member 170 b, the fourthelectrically powerable heater member 170 d and the fifth electricallypowerable heater member 170 e are off during the third heatingsub-cycle. Further, the fourth electrically powerable heater member 170d is on and the first electrically powerable heater member 170 a, thesecond electrically powerable heater member 170 b, the thirdelectrically powerable heater member 170 c and the fifth electricallypowerable heater member 170 e are off during the fourth heatingsub-cycle. Also, the fifth electrically powerable heater member 170 e ison and the first electrically powerable heater member 170 a, the secondelectrically powerable heater member 170 b, the third electricallypowerable heater member 170 c and the fourth electrically powerableheater member 170 d are off during the fifth heating sub-cycle.

In yet another aspect, the present invention comprises a method ofheating the pathway for traffic 100, specifically the transit platform100, having the first modular panel 110 a with the first electricallypowerable heater member 170 a, the second modular panel 110 b with thesecond electrically powerable heater member 170 b, the third modularpanel 110 c with the third electrically powerable heater member 170 c,the fourth modular panel 110 d with the fourth electrically powerableheater member 170 d, and the fifth modular panel 110 e with the fifthelectrically powerable heater member 170 e.

The method comprising the steps of connecting the first power output 191a of the electrical power controller circuit 190 in power supplyingrelation to the first electrically powerable heater member 170 a,connecting the second power output 191 b of the electrical powercontroller circuit 190 in power supplying relation to the secondelectrically powerable heater member 170 b, connecting the third poweroutput 191 c of the electrical power controller circuit 190 in powersupplying relation to the third electrically powerable heater member 170c, connecting the fourth power output 191 d of the electrical powercontroller circuit 190 in power supplying relation to the fourthelectrically powerable heater member 170 d, and connecting the fifthpower output 191 e of the electrical power controller circuit 190 inpower supplying relation to the fifth electrically powerable heatermember 170 e.

The method further comprises the steps of operating the electrical powercontroller circuit 190 to provide electrical power from the first poweroutput 191 a, the second power output 191 b, the third power output 191c, the fourth power output 191 d, and the fifth power output 191 e, in aheating cycle that comprises the first heating sub-cycle, the secondheating sub-cycle, the third heating sub-cycle, the fourth heatingsub-cycle, and the fifth heating sub-cycle.

According to this method, and as stated previously, during a heatingcycle, the first electrically powerable heater member 170 a is on andthe second electrically powerable heater member 170 b, the thirdelectrically powerable heater member 170 c, the fourth electricallypowerable heater member 170 d and the fifth electrically powerableheater member 170 e are off during the first heating sub-cycle. Also,the second electrically powerable heater member 170 b is on and thefirst electrically powerable heater member 170 a, the third electricallypowerable heater member 170 c, the fourth electrically powerable heatermember 170 d and the fifth electrically powerable heater member 170 eare off during the second heating sub-cycle. Further, the thirdelectrically powerable heater member 170 c is on and the firstelectrically powerable heater member 170 a, the second electricallypowerable heater member 170 b, the fourth electrically powerable heatermember 170 d and the fifth electrically powerable heater member 170 eare off during the third heating sub-cycle. Further, the fourthelectrically powerable heater member 170 d is on and the firstelectrically powerable heater member 170 a, the second electricallypowerable heater member 170 b, the third electrically powerable heatermember 170 c and the fifth electrically powerable heater member 170 eare off during the fourth heating sub-cycle. Also, the fifthelectrically powerable heater member 170 e is on and the firstelectrically powerable heater member 170 a, the second electricallypowerable heater member 170 b, the third electrically powerable heatermember 170 c and the fourth electrically powerable heater member 170 dare off during the fifth heating sub-cycle.

In the first illustrated embodiment, a first one of the heating cyclesis longer than subsequent ones of the heating cycles. The longer firstheating cycle is typically required to initially heat the heater members170 and the top plates 140 from a sub-freezing or near freezingtemperature. Subsequently, the top plates 140 typically retain residualheat, and accordingly, the subsequent heating cycles can be shorter.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 22, which shows a second illustratedembodiment of the heatable module according to the present invention, asindicated by the general reference numeral 210. The second illustratedembodiment heatable module 210 is similar to the first illustratedembodiment heatable module 110, except that the electrically powerableheater member 270 is disposed within the top plate 240. There is noheater member between the top plate 240 and the base member 220.Further, the electrically powerable heater member 270 is a mesh typeheater member, and the top plate 240 comprises a glass fiber typematerial 242. The glass fiber type material 242 and the mesh typeelectrically powerable heater member 270 securely inter-engage eachother to preclude separation of the glass fiber type material 252 andthe mesh type heater member 272 one from the other. An advantage of thesecond illustrated embodiment heatable module 210 is that heat migratesto the top surface 245 of the top plate 240 very quickly.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 23, which shows a third illustratedembodiment of the heatable module according to the present invention, asindicated by the general reference numeral 310. The third illustratedembodiment heatable module 310 is similar to the first illustratedembodiment heatable module 110 and the second illustrated embodimentheatable module 210, except that the electrically powerable heatermember 370 is disposed within the top deck 326 for the base member 320.There is no heater member between the top plate 340 and the base member320. Further, the electrically powerable heater member 370 is a meshtype heater member, and the top deck 326 comprises a glass fiber typematerial 342. The glass fiber type material 342 and the mesh typeelectrically powerable heater member 370 securely inter-engage eachother to preclude separation of the glass fiber type material 352 andthe mesh type heater member 372 one from the other. An advantage of thethird illustrated embodiment heatable modular panel 310 is that the topplate 340 is less expensive than in the second illustrated embodimentheatable module 210, similarly to the first illustrated embodimentheatable module 110.

In the manufacture of the present invention, it is possible to use atleast two methods of compression molding to form the base member 120,220, 320 and the top plate 140, 240, 340. The first method is referredto as sheet molded compound (SMC) wherein a resin is pumped into a mold.Any “parts” inside must be stationary and in the proper place. Thesecond method is referred to as wet compression molding. In the secondand third illustrated embodiments, the mesh type electrically powerableheater member 270, 370 is placed in a mold with fiberglass fabric aboveit and below it. Resin is poured into the mold over the mesh typeelectrically powerable heater member 270, 370 and fiberglass fabric. Themold is then compressed until the resin is set. It should be noted thatwith what compression molding, small stones or the like can be includedin the resident in order to make the top plate 140, 240, 340, moreresistant to wear. It should also be noted that with either of these twomethods of manufacture as discussed above, it is believed that themanufacturing cycle time for making a top plate 140, 240, 340, or a basemember 120, 220, 320, can be about two to three minutes in length, oreven less, which is a significant improvement over the prior art.

As can be readily understood from the above description and from theaccompanying drawings, the present invention provides heatable modules,such as heatable modular panels, heatable modular tiles, and the like,for use in constructing a pathway for traffic, such as a transitplatform or the like, wherein the heatable modules readily fit properlyin place adjacent a wood header of an adjoining platform subgrade thataccommodates heatable modules that are about three inches in height,which heatable modules include detectable warning indicators, whichheatable modules include top plates, which heatable modules includetextured top surface, wherein the heatable modules are readilyconnectable one to the next, wherein the heatable modules are readilyconnectable one to the next on a substrate surface of a non-constantgrade, wherein the heatable modules are readily connectable one to thenext so as to accommodate varying angles of end-to-end connectionsbetween panels, wherein the heatable modules are readily connectable oneto the next so as to accommodate varying angles ofperimeter-to-perimeter connections between panels, wherein the heatablemodules are water-resistant, wherein the heatable modules arelightweight, wherein the amount of material used to form the heatablemodules is significantly less than in prior art heatable modules,wherein the amount of material used to form the internal support membersof the heatable modules is significantly less than in prior art heatablemodules, wherein the heatable modules are easier to manufacture than areprior art heatable modules, wherein the heatable modules are quicker tomanufacture than are prior art heatable modules, wherein the base memberof the heatable modules is made via a compression molding process ormethod, such as sheet molded compound (SMC) or wet compression molding,wherein the base member of the heatable modules have favourabledielectric properties, wherein heat is transmitted quickly through thetop plate above the base member, wherein the constructed platform isenergy efficient, wherein the heatable modules are energy efficient,wherein the heatable modules contain a thin electrically powerableheater member, all of which features are unknown in the prior art.

Other variations of the above principles will be apparent to those whoare knowledgeable in the field of the invention, and such variations areconsidered to be within the scope of the present invention. Further,other modifications and alterations may be used in the design andmanufacture of the heatable module of the present invention, withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus,while the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof isshown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that there is no intention to limit theinvention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary,the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions,and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, asdefined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising”, “having”, “including”, and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to beconstrued as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joinedtogether, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of rangesof values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method ofreferring individually to each separate value falling within the range,unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value isincorporated into the specification as if it were individually recitedherein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitableorder unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplarylanguage (e.g., “such as”, “for example”) provided herein, is intendedmerely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does notpose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwiseclaimed. No language in the specification should be construed asindicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of theinvention.

Illustrated embodiments of this invention are described herein.Variations of those illustrated embodiments may become apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Theinventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations asappropriate, and the inventor intends for the invention to be practicedotherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, thisinvention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A heatable module for use in constructing apathway for traffic, said heatable module comprising: a base memberhaving a first end wall, a second end wall, a top deck extending fromthe first end wall to the second end wall, and a perimeter edge; a topplate securable to said base member; an electrically powerable heatermember retained by at least one of said base member and said top plate;wherein, to form a heatable pathway for traffic, said modules arecapable of being placed in perimeter-edge-to-perimeter-edge relation,and each electrically powerable heater member in the heatable pathwayfor traffic is separately electrically connected to an electrical powercontroller circuit; wherein the base member further includes: alongitudinal raceway extending from the first end wall to the second endwall; a first recessed pocket in the top deck, the first recessed pockethaving a first wire receiving aperture therein; and a second recessedpocket in the top deck, the second recessed pocket having a second wirereceiving aperture therein; wherein each electrically powerable heatermember is configured to be separately electrically connected to theelectrical power controller circuit via the longitudinal raceway, firstwire receiving aperture, and second wire receiving aperture.
 2. Theheatable module of claim 1, wherein said heatable module comprises aheatable modular panel.
 3. The heatable module of claim 1, wherein, toform a heatable pathway for traffic, said heatable modules are securedtogether one to the next.
 4. The heatable module of claim 1, whereinsaid top plate is securable to said base member with a heater-receivingspace therebetween, and wherein said electrically powerable heatermember is disposed between said top plate and said base member.
 5. Theheatable module of claim 4, wherein said electrically powerable heatermember is disposed within said heater-receiving space between said basemember and said top plate.
 6. The heatable module of claim 5, whereinsaid top plate has a top surface and a bottom surface, and wherein saidelectrically powerable heater member is disposed against the bottomsurface of said top plate.
 7. The heatable module of claim 6, whereinsaid electrically powerable heater member is secured to the bottomsurface of said top plate.
 8. The heatable module of claim 7, whereinsaid electrically powerable heater member is secured to the bottomsurface of said top plate by a suitable adhesive.
 9. The heatable moduleof claim 1, wherein said electrically powerable heater member comprisesa thin sheet type electrically powerable heater member.
 10. The heatablemodule of claim 1, wherein said electrically powerable heater memberdisposed within said top plate.
 11. The heatable module of claim 10,wherein said electrically powerable heater member is integrally formedwith said top plate.
 12. The heatable module of claim 11, wherein saidelectrically powerable heater member is a mesh type heater member. 13.The heatable module of claim 12, wherein said top plate comprises amaterial having glass fibers, and wherein said material having glassfibers and said mesh type electrically powerable heater member securelyinter-engage each other to preclude separation of the material havingglass fibers and the mesh type heater member one from the other.
 14. Theheatable module of claim 10, wherein said top plate comprises a heatconductive polymer material.
 15. The heatable module of claim 10,wherein said top plate comprises a heat retentive polymer material. 16.The heatable module of claim 1, wherein said electrically powerableheater member disposed within said base member.
 17. The heatable moduleof claim 16, wherein said base member has a top deck and said heatermember is integrally formed with said top deck of said base member. 18.The heatable module of claim 17, wherein said heater member is a meshtype heater member.
 19. The heatable module of claim 18, wherein saidtop deck comprises a material having glass fibers, and wherein saidmaterial having glass fibers and said mesh type heater member securelyinter-engage each other to preclude separation of the material havingglass fibers and the mesh type heater member one from the other.
 20. Theheatable module of claim 16, wherein said top plate comprises a heatconductive polymer material and a heat retentive polymer material. 21.The heatable module of claim 17, wherein said base member comprises afirst end wall, a second end wall, a first side wall and a second sidewall, and wherein said first end wall, said second end wall, said firstside wall and said second side wall each depend from said top deck. 22.The heatable module of claim 21, wherein said first end wall of saidbase member defines a lateral groove, and wherein said second end wallof said base member defines a tongue structure shaped and dimensioned tobe received in said lateral groove, and wherein, to form a heatablepathway for traffic, said modules are placed in first-end to second-endrelation with the tongue structure of each said modules inserted intosaid lateral groove of an adjacent module.
 23. The heatable module ofclaim 22, wherein said tongue structure defines a throughpassage forreceiving a threaded securing rod therethrough.
 24. The heatable moduleof claim 23, wherein said tongue structure and said lateral groove areeach shaped and dimensioned to provide vertical clearance between saidtongue structure and said lateral groove.
 25. The heatable module ofclaim 1, wherein, to form a heatable pathway for traffic, said modulesare placed in first-end to second-end relation, and are securedtogether.
 26. The heatable module of claim 1, wherein said top plate hasa first end flange depending from said top plate at said first endthereof, a second end flange depending from said top plate at saidsecond end thereof, a first side flange depending from said top plate atsaid first side thereof, a second side flange depending from said topplate at said second side thereof.
 27. The heatable module of claim 26,wherein said base member has a peripheral recess at the top thereof forreceiving at least the bottom portions of said first side flange, saidsecond side flange, said first end flange, and said second end flange,and wherein said top plate is thereby engageable of said base member.28. The heatable module of claim 1, further comprising a heat controllayer disposed between the heater member and the top plate.
 29. Theheatable module of claim 28, wherein said heat control layer includesany or all of a heat conductive material, a heat retentive material, anda heat reflective material.
 30. The heatable module of claim 1, furthercomprising a heat reflective layer disposed between the heater memberand the base member.